Ecuador fired up for France test by memory of late team-mate

Ecuador's Christian Benítez celebrates scoring against Peru in World Cup qualifying in 2011. He died of a heart attack almost a year ago. Photograph: Reuters

Ecuador’s coach, Reinaldo Rueda, has not brought up Christian Benítez’s name recently but his team know they are playing for their late team-mate. There is also a spot in the last 16 on the line in Wednesday’s match against France.

Benítez died almost a year ago of heart failure, a day after playing for his Qatari club. He was the team’s star striker and his No11 has been retired by the national federation. “Although we haven’t used him in a strategic way, nor in a way to motivate the team, his image and memory are alive inside of us,” Rueda said on Tuesday. “I think the team knows what it’s playing for.”

The France midfielder Yohan Cabaye is suspended after picking up a yellow card in each of his team’s first two matches. France are almost certain to advance from Group E after they won their first two games. Ecuador are in a more precarious position with three points, the same as Switzerland, and could be pipped to second place by the Swiss on goal difference even if they beat France.